Questions I most often hear from bystanders while I'm setting up or tearing down my trike and wing.

Q: Should I fly with anyone that is an instructor?

A: No! Check out their aircraft very carefully. It's your responsibility to be safe. It's your life. Ask the pilot all types of questions. Example: How many flight hours do you have? How many students have you trained? Have you ever had an accident? Is your aircraft certified? Have you inspected it today? How much payload will it lift?. Are weather conditions safe for a flight?

Q: Do I need flight training?

A: Yes! Is it required no. Anyone that thinks some training isn't necessary to fly has a death wish. I look at it this way. You can be wise and spend the money to get flight training or you can use that same money for your funeral, hospital bill, and recovery, lose of employment and cost of damages to the ultralight. Training by far is the cheapest way...

Q: How high can it go?

A: The general height for flying is 500 - 2000 feet, however; record altitude's are in the high 20's. Temperature changes in altitude about 4 degrees for every 1,000 feet in altitude so wear warm clothing, even in summer, above 5,000 feet.

Q: How fast can it go?

A: Trikes are primarily for low and slow flying. Initially, wings in the early 80's were designed for tremendous lift and slow speeds of 20-40 mph. Over the years the most popular wing is still one for slow landing of 30 mph but better for longer cross-country of up to 55-60 mph. Faster wings have a lower surface area, double surface for greater speed, smaller in size but better for turbulence and speeds up to 80-90 mph. Faster wings require advance training and absolutely not recommended for beginners.

Q: How far can it go?

A: The record holder has flown completely around the globe of 25,000 miles. The longest journey has been 27,000 miles from the southern tip of South America traveling through North America over Iceland, Greenland, England continuing south to the tip of South Africa. Flying cross-country is a matter of planning for fuel, weather and terrain and a mapped direction with check points.

Q: Do you need a license to fly trikes?

A: If the trike is a true ultralight it does not require a license, however; be sure to get flight instruction before attempting. To be a true ultralight it must not weigh more than 253 pounds, no more than 5 gallons of fuel, and no faster speed of 60 mph and carry only one person, the pilot. A two seated is classified as an ultralight trainer requiring a license and flight instruction. As a two seated student you will be flying solo under your instructors recommendation and his FAA exemptions status until you complete the recommended hours and passing the exam with an Advance Flight Instructor. There are three organizations that are in charge of ultralight instruction and registration: the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the Aero-Sports Connection (ASC) and the United States Ultralight Association (USUA). Each of them has on their website the rules regarding ultralight trainers, so have a look there. Also, you can read the FAA's Code of Federal Regulations. The regulations are long and detailed, but Part 103 covers ultralights and it's fairly short.

The FAA is currently considering new rules for ultralights that don't fit the Part 103 rules, so called "fat ultralights", trainers or Light Sport Aircraft. These rules aren't likely to take effect for a year or two, and will have a grandfather period that lasts 2-3 years. You can read about them at the Sport Pilot page.

Q: Can I fly one without any training?

A: Only if you have a death wish. Attempting to fly without instruction can result quickly to death, excessive medicals bills, loss of work or job and more. Where, only a small investment in training can result in many, many safe fun years of flying.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Trikes range from $10,000 up to $40,000 US Dollars. Pre-owned (used) trikes range from $5,000 and up, depending on condition, size and hours on motor. Options of wheel pants, full pod, electric start, size motor, size wing, BRS (ballistic chute), radio equipment, helmets, headsets, etc., etc. increase the value.

CAUTION: Used trikes can look to be in good condition but have fatal hidden damages. I personally will not fly a used trike and wing without thorough inspection of all components. Over the years of trike instruction, I have seen some unbelievable damages and flaws in materials. Unfortunately, you can't believe the seller and risk your life on what they may say. Have a flight instructor take a thorough inspection of any trike you may have interest before the purchase. We love the sport of flying but understand why safety is more important than a bargain deal.

Q: Can I rent a trike?

A: Generally no. Liability and insurance concerns make it nearly impossible to find a place to rent an ultralight.

Q: Is it dangerous?

Yes, all flying is inherently dangerous. A good qualified instructor will spend the time to prepare you for almost any situation. Example: Engine shuts down. Preparedness for this and your will have no problems. A good instructor will have you shut the engine down and practice landings. Even jumbo jets are at risk to equipment failure, Mother Nature and pilot error. Statistics show that the last one, pilot error, is the cause of the great majority of accidents among all types of aircraft. Your best defense is knowledge and experience. If you are trained in piloting, weather and regulations, you see that your aircraft is carefully maintained and always do a thorough preflight, then you may enjoy thousands of hours of flying over many years. It's up to you.

  Copyright 1999; Jaydog Committee; Web Site Created by: Bernie Lowthian, December , 1999